Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a challenging condition with affects many men in Singapore. According to a report published in the Singapore Medical Journal, overall 51.3% of study respondents reported some degree of erectile dysfunction, of which 23.2% have mild ED, 8.8% have moderate ED, and 19.3% had severe ED. The prevalence and severity of ED was also found to increase with age (Erectile Dysfunction in Singapore: Prevalence and Its Associated Factors – A Population-Based Study, Singapore Med J 2003 Vol 44(1) : 020-026). Several treatment options are available to help manage and overcome ED. Here is a brief overview and a cheat sheet on choosing the best ED treatment for you.
Summary Of Types Of ED Treatments
Lifestyle Changes
Adopting healthier lifestyle habits can have a significant impact on ED. Regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress are all crucial steps.
Intimacy / Relationship Counselling
Emotional and psychological factors often play a role in ED. Counselling can help address these issues, improving intimacy and strengthening relationships.
Oral Medication
Oral medications such as Viagra enhance erections by improving blood flow to the penis. Typically, this is done by relaxing the blood vessels in your body, including the penis.
Urethral Suppository
Urethral suppositories are administered directly into the urethra. The medication expands blood vessels and thus increases blood flow to the penis, helping to achieve an erection.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
This non-invasive treatment uses shockwaves to improve blood flow to the penis, promoting better erectile function.
Vacuum Erection Device
A vacuum erection device can help draw blood into the penis, creating an erection. It is a mechanical solution often used when medications are ineffective.
Penile Injections (Using Platelet-Derived Growth Factor)
Penile injections involve administering medication directly into the penis, which can stimulate an erection. This method uses platelet-derived growth factor to enhance effectiveness.
Penile Implant
For severe cases of ED, a penile implant might be considered. This surgical option involves implanting a device that can help achieve an erection.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
For men with low testosterone levels, testosterone replacement therapy can improve sexual function and help alleviate ED.
Further Details: Health365 Guide To ED Treatments In Singapore >>
Cheat Sheet For Choosing The Best ED Treatment For You
Each treatment option has its benefits and suitability depending on the individual’s condition and overall health. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial to determine the best approach. However, it also helps to familiar with the various topics available before consulting your doctor.
| Erective Dysfunction (ED) Treatment | When To Consider This ED Treatment | Estimated Cost Of ED Treatment In Singapore | How The ED Treatment Works | Short / Long Term Benefits | Side Effects Or Risks Of ED Treatment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lifestyle Changes – Exercise, avoid alcohol & smoking, weight management, stress management | This should be a first-line remedy for ED caused by poor blood circulation. | N.A. | Improves blood circulation which supports ability to achieve and maintain erections. | These have long-term benefits. | N.A. |
| 2 | Intimacy / Relationship Counselling | This should be a first-line remedy for ED caused by psychological / relationship problems. | S$150 – S$300 per session. Depending on circumstances, 5-20 sessions may be required. | For ED caused by intimacy issues. | These have long-term benefits. | N.A. |
| 3 | Oral Medication – Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), Vardenafil (Levitra). Spedra (Avanafil) | Common treatment popular with patients. Often used as a first-line measure for ED caused by poor blood circulation. | S$19 – S$24 per dose ; S$12 per dose where generics are available. | Relaxes muscles present in the blood vessel walls, which improves blood flow to the penis. | Short term solution lasting 4 hours to 36 hours (depending on medication) | Potential side effects: headaches, nausea, dizziness, flushing, indigestion, stomach upset, blurred vision, nasal congestion, sore muscles, back pain, rashes. |
| 4 | Urethral suppository (alprostadil) | May be considered for patients unstulable for oral medications. | S$100 per suppository | Medication from suppository inserted into the tip of the penis produces an erection. | Short term solution lasting around 1 hour. | Potential side effects: pain, minor bleeding, burning sensation in penis. |
| 5 | Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy | May be used to supplement oral medications, or when oral medications are not effective. | From $$250 per session. Typically 6 – 12 sessions required. | Shockwaves stimulate growth of blood vessesls in the penis, improving blood flow. | These have long-term benefits. | Potential side effects: discomfort or pain, swelling, numbness, minor bruising, nerve pain. |
| 6 | Vacuum Erection Device | Often used together with other treatments e.g. platelet-derived growth factor Penile injections. May be prescribed for patients with diabetes, ED caused by prostate or colon cancer therapy, ED caued by pyschological issues, or nerve damage affecting erection reflex. | S$300 – S$600 | Device creates a vacuum around the penis, drawing in blood and causing an erection. | Takes effect in the short-term; has potential longer-term benefits. | Avoid if patient takes blood-thinning medicines (e.g. aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel), has Peyronie’s disease, or has significant congenital bleeding disorder such as sickle cell anaemia, some forms of leukemia, and other blood conditions. |
| 7 | Penile injections (using platelet-derived growth factor) | Platelet-derived growth factor injections uses the patient’s own blood, thereby minimising side effects. Widely used in other areas of plastic surgery, & offers promising results in regenerative treatments. May be considered if patient is not suitable for oral medications. | S$170 – S$2,00 per injection. | These penile injections enhance collagen production, promote formation of new blood vessels and overall tissue repair. | Erection may last for an hour. Offers long term benefits. | Potential side effects: prolonged erection, mild bleeding, formation of fibrous tissues at / near injection site. |
| 8 | Penile implant | May be considered for patients with severe ED. | Up to S$15,000 | A small tube is ssurgically inserted into both side of the penis. Tubes are pumped with air to help erect the penis. | Long term solution. | Risks include infection (especially if patient has spinal cord injury or diabetes), implant malfunction requiring surgery to repair, erosion of skin from within the penis. |
| 9 | Testosterone Replacement Therapy | Recommended only for patients with severe symptoms associated with low testosterone caused by medical conditions. | S$400 (per injection lasting 2 months) or S$200 (per box of gel, lasting 1 month) | Addresses ED caused by low testosterone level. | These have long-term benefits taking a few weeks to a few months to show. | Potential side effects: acne, sleep apnea, blood clots, breast tenderness. May increase the risk of prostate cancer and heart attacks. |
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.